“We are committed to ensuring we leave the environment in a better condition than we found it. And leaving the European Union allows us to deliver the policies required to achieve that – to deliver a green Brexit.”

The National Farmers Union (NFU) “welcomed” Mr. Gove’s announcements including the transition period, whilst insisting farmers already work hard to protect the environment.

NFU President Meurig Raymond said in a statement: “A transition period that allows time to prepare properly for the introduction of a new agricultural policy is also welcome, during which an assessment can be made of the impact of Brexit on UK farming…”

He added: “With adequate time to prepare, we can ensure that the introduction of an ambitious new policy framework, one that is suited to the needs of the farming industry and the expectations of the UK public, is managed properly and delivered successfully.”